Woodlands Wellington coach Salim Moin caused a few guffaws and raised more than a few eyebrows in pre-season when he targeted a top-three finish for his team.

After all, the Rams had finished bottom of the S-League in the past three seasons. But on Thursday night at the Woodlands Stadium, Salim's charges matched the defending champions and runaway league leaders Tampines Rovers in their Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League clash.

The Rams came back from losing positions three times to draw 3-3 and deserved the point which practically secured a topsix finish.

That would leave them in the top half of the 12-team league, where they will compete against the top sides when the league splits into two halves for its final round next month.

Top six

Only eighth-placed Harimau Muda B can catch Woodlands on points, although they would have to score an improbable 10 goals and win their next two games, to overtake Woodlands on goal difference.

A beaming Salim said after the match: "We wanted to be the spoilers and stop Tampines from being the runaway champions, and we did it.

"I'm very proud of the performance of my team. I've always believed in them this season and they've believed in me.